Architecture and Art in Ancient Greece
The Parthenon
The ancient Greeks worshipped in sacred temples, much like the Parthenon, which you see above. Below are examples of the three different types of columns the Greeks used. Today, we often still see these types of columns in our own architecture.
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This is an example of a DORIC column. Since this column design is the least elaborate, it was usually seen on the sides of the temples and not on the front side. |
This column is an IONIC column. The two curls at the top which look like scrolls, are called volutes. You can always remember the ionic column because it looks like the capital letter I. |
This column is an example of a CORINTHIAN column. It is the most elaborate in design of all the columns and was usually seen on the front face of temples. The corinthian column has plants and volutes and ornate designs sculpted at its top. |
Here is an aerial view of what the Parthenon looks like. The black dots are columns and the outer thin lines are steps leading up to the temple. The thick black lines are where there would be heavy beams or walls. There is a number three on the alter.
Here is another view of the Parthenon, which is in Athens.
Now we are going to talk about mosaics. Mosaics are art forms that use small pieces of tile and glass, called tesseras, which are cemented into floors or walls so that they show a design. Mosaics have remained a popular art form in places of worship, such as temples and churches, over time since they never fade in color. Below are some examples of mosaics. Mosaics in ancient Greece were often used to tell stories of mythology, as well as art forms.
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You can make your own mosaic using colored paper and glue. Simply draw a picture on a large sheet of paper and then "color" in the different areas by gluing small squares of colored papers to areas that you want that color. For example, if you want a red apple, you just glue the red squares within the area that you want to be red.
Moving on to music....
Music was extremely important in the time of ancient Greece for many reasons. Music was associated with the god Apollo, and was used as worship. Through lyrical singing, information could be communicated to large groups of people. Music was also a highly respected art form since it was discovered to be directly related to mathematics. Pythagoras was the mathematician and musician who discover the mathematical ratio which helped invent the harp which we use today. Below are some pictures of the lyre (a relative of the harp) and other stringed instruments related to it.
Here you can see pictures of the lyre...
And this is a Greek statue of Apollo playing the lyre.
And lastly, we look at pottery...
Pottery of ancient Greece was used as storage containers and dinnerware, but also as a form of art. Ancient Greeks would paint important scenes on the sides of vases to tell stories about war, harvests, kings, mythology....basically anything. These now served as educating tools.
From this vase we can learn that the ancient Greeks grew olives and harvested them by hand.
This ancient Greek water vase shows lots of large beasts, which may have some religious significance.
Ancient Greek pottery has had a lot of influence on modern society. Today, we imitate many of the art styles which can be seen on Greek pottery. We also learn a lot about their culture, religion, politics, and everyday lives from the scenes and designs portrayed on pottery.
